Originally Posted by
wnylogo
I will be doing a 2+ month tour soon, my first fully self supported one.
Good for you!!
Originally Posted by
wnylogo
I will be riding a 10 year old steel touring bike with rim brakes with a 72mm trail. Jandd Expedition and Extreme racks were installed and have Ortlieb front and rear rollers. Not having the same strength as I did before, it feels too heavy to handle with confidence. I would like to try to lighten the load to feel steadier, thus safer. I already saved weight by choosing the Ortlieb back rollers over my original Arkel GT-54s.
Every time I get on my loaded bike it "feels" too heavy. then it "feels" normal. then I get on my MTB commuter and it feels as light as a feather!
What I'm suggesting is that before you start changing racks and panniers, start getting used to the bike loaded up. Pick quiet roads, places that are familiar. when you've done a few days of that and it still "feels" heavy, then start looking at alternatives.
Originally Posted by
wnylogo
I've been exploring whether to keep the front Jandd rack, but purchase the Arkel Dry-Lites for it, then purchase a Tubus Cargo rack for the rear Ortliebs. The second option is to purchase a Tubus Tara to use with the rear Ortliebs up front, then use the Arkels on the rear with the Jandd. Either way, I'd like some type of platform available. Opinions appreciated!
I've no idea of the weight differences between the different racks and bags. Unless it's significant it seems more like rearranging the deck chairs on the Titanic - not saying that you're doomed
- just that it seems a little pointless? What's significant? Will a bottle of water exceed the difference? If yes, then it's not significant.
Originally Posted by
wnylogo
Another question is, whether anyone with experience could let me know, if the Arkel Dry-lites do indeed carry the few extra liters than the front rollers, as stated?
If I use the Arkels in the front, the weight will be carried higher. I do worry about that. And, at risk of appearing like a scaredy cat, I also admit to being concerned about using the old Jandd racks at all. I haven't even left yet and it is costing me $.
Another big thanks to TimothyH for providing the rear derailleur replacement that allows me to even use this bike!
I've no idea if the dry-lites carry more. The advantage of rollers is that at the end of the day you can load up with shopping.
I use an Old Man Mountain platform rack on the front. It means the bags are carried higher than a low rider. I've no issue with that set-up except when going off road. The steering can be a little stiff and slows me down off-road. However, the higher clearance is very handy off-road! On regular surfaces it's not a problem.
"Old" Jandd racks? Are they damaged? Are you afraid of failure? In my basic experience, you'll see signs if a rack is going to fail. Paint wear, cracks forming etc. If they look good, the chances are, they probably are.
To be honest, I think you're suffering from a case of pre-tour jitters. they're a biatch!
On the one hand you're asking about losing weight, on the other if one pannier carries more than another.
Racks and bags would be the very last place I'd look to lose weight.
You haven't said where you are touring?
If it's in civilisation, I'd say set off as you are. If you find it's not working, just buy whatever will suit your needs on the way.
If you're going off-grid, then do a couple of shakedown rides first to test everything - packing list as well as bike/racks/panniers.
And 35 lbs??
I'd love to tour that light!
Don't worry - once you're on the road you'll wonder why you spent so much time stressing over all this!